also: うわだい
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
ancient times; early history; remote ages
Only with reading じょうだい
Refers to ancient periods, especially the Nara and Heian eras in Japanese history. Often used in historical or literary contexts.
上代の日本文学を研究しています。
I am researching ancient Japanese literature.
この寺は上代の建築
This temple retains the architectural style of ancient times.
noun
retail price; nominal price
Business term for the nominal or list price of goods, as opposed to the wholesale or discounted price. Often used in commercial contexts.
この商品の上代は1万円です。
The retail price of this product is 10,000 yen.
上代のままでは売れないので、値引きを検討している。
We can't sell it at the nominal price, so we're considering a discount.
Irregular reading for the same kanji; rarely used and may be encountered in older or specialized contexts.
Compound of 上 (じょう, 'upper, early') and 代 (だい, 'era, period'). The retail price sense likely derives from the idea of a 'listed' or 'above-board' price.